WOULD YOU RESCUE ME?

72.Together Against the Storm

The morning light filtered through the hospital blinds, casting soft streaks of gold across the room where Vanessa sat propped up in her bed. Her honey-brown eyes glimmered with a mix of anticipation and relief as Dr. Bellamy entered, clipboard in hand and a faint smile on his face. Astra sat beside her, her emerald-green eyes flicking toward the doctor, her fingers lightly brushing against Vanessa's in a grounding gesture.

"Well," Bellamy began, his tone warm but professional, "I think it's finally time to send you home."

Vanessa's face lit up immediately, a radiant smile breaking across her lips. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief but brimming with excitement.

Bellamy chuckled softly, nodding. "Really. You've made remarkable progress. You're walking again, albeit slowly, and your vitals are stable. It's time."

Vanessa turned to Astra, her joy palpable. "We're going home," she said, as if the words themselves were a lifeline.

But Astra's smile was softer, her brows knitting slightly as her fingers instinctively tightened around Vanessa's. While she was glad Vanessa was improving, the thought of her girlfriend leaving the hospital filled her with a quiet worry. Astra knew Vanessa too well, her girlfriend's tendency to push herself beyond her limits, to prioritize others over her own needs. The responsibility of ensuring Vanessa truly took it easy would now fall squarely on Astra's shoulders, and she wasn't entirely sure how to manage it.

Bellamy seemed to sense the unease in Astra's expression. He moved closer to Vanessa's bedside, his gaze warm but firm. "Vanessa, remember, just because you're going home doesn't mean you can jump back into everything full throttle. You need rest. Listen to Astra, take your medication, and let her help with your bandages."

Vanessa rolled her eyes playfully. "I know, I know. I promise I'll behave," she said, though her tone held a hint of mischief.

Astra shot her a knowing look, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I'll hold you to that," she murmured, her voice tinged with a mix of affection and concern.

Bellamy completed one final check of Vanessa's wounds and vitals before stepping back. "Alright, I'll leave you to get ready," he said, his tone light. "If you need anything before you leave, let me know."

Vanessa nodded, her smile unwavering as she leaned back against the pillows, already envisioning the freedom that awaited her. Astra, however, stood as Bellamy turned to leave.

"I'll be right back," she told Vanessa softly, brushing her fingers against Vanessa's hand before following Bellamy out into the hallway.

"Dr. Bellamy," Astra called after him, her voice steady but laced with urgency. He turned, his expression curious as Astra approached.

"What can I do for you, Astra?" he asked, his tone kind.

Astra hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "I just... I wanted to ask if there's anything else I should know about taking care of Vanessa at home. I mean, I've been helping here, but it's different when it's just us."

Bellamy's expression softened, and a warm smile spread across his face. "Astra, the fact that you're asking this tells me Vanessa is in very good hands," he said sincerely. "I'll give you a few practical tips, but let me start by saying how much I admire the way you've been there for her."

Astra blinked, a faint blush creeping into her cheeks. "She's my everything," she admitted quietly. "I just want to make sure I'm doing it right."

Bellamy nodded, his respect for Astra evident in his gaze. "I'll make it simple. Keep an eye on her bandages and scars, look for any signs of infection, like redness, swelling, or discharge. Remind her to take her medications on time, even if she insists she's fine. And above all, encourage her to rest. That's going to be the hardest part with someone like Vanessa."